Shelter dog 'Sonia' to the rescue of Leopard cubs

New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) Two newborn leopard cubs at Delhi Zoo, discarded by their natural mother, are being fed by a surrogate 'dog' mother.

The cubs, who spent four hours after their birth without a feed urgently needed a surrogate mother.

The zoo authorities contacted 'Friendicoes', an NGO which had on two earlier occasions provided surrogate mothers for orphaned animal babies at the zoo.

'Sonia' a mother of six 15-day-old pups was sent along in royal style in an air conditioned vehicle and with her own food bowls.

The cubs were kept in a box with Sonia's puppies so that their smell would mix with that of the pups.

As the cubs were introduced to Sonia, she first sniffed and inspected them. Then she began licking them and allowed them to feed much to the relief of all concerned. Now the cubs have a fair chance of survival.

Not only has Sonia become a 'heroine', her six puppies, who are feeding along side the two majestic leopard cubs, are also sharing the limelight.

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